Automatic Control Exam free essay sample

Which equation do you get by using basic correspondence and rules of Laplace transform to derive the original differential equation from transfer function a) b) c) Y ( s) 0,5s ? 1 . ? X ( s) s 2 ? 4 What are the values of characteristic equation roots? Is system described by this transfer function stable? d) s1, 2 ? 2 e) The system is stable. f) The system is on border of stability or unstable. The system is described by transfer function 0,5/(1s+0,5). What are values of time constant T and system gain K? The control loop consists from the controller and the plant. The model is stable. b) The model is unstable. c) Step response of the model is monotonic without oscillation. We will write a custom essay sample on Automatic Control Exam or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ) Step response of the model is oscillating. e) Characteristic equation of the model is first order. f) Characteristic equation of the model is second order. a) Roots of the system are two real numbers. b) Step response of the system is monotonic without oscillation. c) Step response of the system is bounded harmonic signal. d) Characteristic equation of the system is third order. e) Roots of the system are pair of conjugate complex numbers. f) The system is stable. g) The system is unstable. h) The system is on border of stability. a) The output will be oscillating with decreasing amplitude. ) The output will be oscillating with increasing amplitude. c) The output will be the same. The origin of complex plane will be lying d) on the right from Mikhalov curve e) on the left from Mikhalov curve f) on the Mikhailov curve if Mikhailov curve of the closed control loop is passed in the direction of increasing frequencies. Model of the controlled plant has three roots of characteristic eq uation: s1=-2 s2=-1+0,5j s3=-1-0,5j Which statements about the controlled plant are true? The roots of the system are depicted in Fig 3. What can you claim about the system? Im j 0 -j Re Fig 3. The input and the output of the open control loop are depicted in Fig 4. What will be the output after closing the control loop and disconnecting the external excitation (input)? 1 ? 2? 3? 4? Input -1 1 Output -1 A) Which claims about the Hurwitz criterion are true? B) Characteristic equation of the system is third order. First two Hurwitz determinants are: D1 ? 3 D2 ? 3 1 ? 1 1 A) a) It is necessary and sufficient condition of stability b) It is necessary condition of stability and sufficient condition of stability for first and second order systems only. ) It is necessary condition of stability B) a) The system is stable. b) The system is unstable c) To decision on stability to know the value of third Hurwitz determinant is needed. a) System A is stable. b) System B is stable. c) System A is on border of stability. d) System C is on border of stability. e) System B is unstable. f) System C is unstable. Mikhailov’s plots of three systems are in Fig 5 depic ted. Which claims about the systems are true? Im Re 2nd order system -A 3rd order system B 3rd order system C Fig 5. ?

Step-by-Step Guide With Pictures SAT Registration

Step-by-Step Guide With Pictures SAT Registration SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Registering for the SAT sounds like the easiest part of the process. But signing up is actually much more convoluted than you might think- and some things matter a lot more than others do. Most of all, you want to avoid classic registration mistakes that can cost you dearly. In this article, we’ll discuss step by step how to sign up for the SAT. We’ll also cover what parts of the 30-minute process really matter and what parts don’t. Finally, we’ll give you some key tips on how to choose the best location and how to save money. How to Register for the SAT, Step by Step What is the basic process for registering for the SAT online? Let's go through it together one step at a time. First,visit the College Board websiteand click on the yellow "Register Now" button or the "Register for the SAT" link. If you haven’t created a College Board account, this is a good time to do so. After you sign on to your College Board account, you'll be taken to your "My SAT" page, which looks like this: On the right side of the page is a blue button that says "Register for the SAT" (or "Register for another SAT" if you've already taken it at least once). Click this button. You should now be on the page below. According to the College Board,the registration process will take around 30-40 minutes (yikes- why should it take this long to register for the SAT? You’ll find out soon!) Click the button to continue. Now begins the long questionnaire. Some of this is important, and some of this is not. We’ll step you through it with notes on what to skip and what to take seriously. Personal Information: Very Important. This is how the College Board will track your test and associate it with you. Make sure every piece of information here is correct! Demographics: Not important. The College Board uses this information to get statistics on test takers. All of this is optional and has zero impact on your score or college admissions. Create Student Profile: Not important. This entire section takes the most time and energy, but none of it is important for your SAT score. The College Board shares this information with colleges so they can essentially send you spam mail. If you love mail from colleges or want to learn about schools you might not have known about, then fill this out accurately. Otherwise, this is a big drain on your time- filling it out won't raise your chances of getting into a college, since that all depends on your actual college application. To reiterate, each of the following subsections is not worth your time: College Board Programs GPA/Rank Course Work Activities College Plans If you’re strapped for time, I recommend you just leave it all blank andinstead use your extra time to prep for the SAT. It takes quite a long time to fill out every high school course you've taken. When you get to section 3 titled "Select Test Center,"you’re at what really matters. The first page, Terms Conditions, outlines the policies you agree to when you take the SAT. There’s a lot of text, but essentially it boils down to this: You promise not to cheat on the SAT. You promise not to use a cell phone during the test and understand that you're not allowed to discuss questions or answers at any time. You are who you say you are, and no one else is taking the test for you. Next, you’ll choose your test date on the Choose Your Test Datepage.If you have any testing accommodations or anSAT fee waiver, this is where you will enter that information. After, you'll get to theChoose Your Test Centerpage. Here,I highly recommend that you Search by Zip Code.This shows you all the options for available test centers near you (and not just your own high school). In fact,your high school might not be the best place for you to take the SAT. Quick Note: If you're actually planning to register right now, I suggest you read our article on best SAT test locations. You'll learn how to choose a better location for yourself. Next, you'll need to upload a photo of yourself. This is an important step. Be sure tofollow the directionsas to what a good picture should be. This way you won't have to re-register if the College Board ends up rejecting it for some reason. This actually appears on the official instructions. And that’s the whole process on how to sign up for SAT tests! If you skipped the pages I said you could, you'll be able to cut down the process from 30 minutes to five minutes. Signing Up for the SAT: 3 Essential Tips Now that you know how to register for the SAT, here are a few important tips to know: #1: Choose the Best Location for You This isn’t an automatic decision- many students take the SAT at their high school, but this might not actually be the best and most convenient location for you. For example, is there a test center that's actually closer to you than your school is? Will you be going on vacation the day your school administers the SAT? Do you tend to get nervous when taking tests with people you know? Whatever the reason, there are many benefits to being able to choose your test location and date. The SAT is offered seven times a year at various test centers and schools across the US.Read our in-depth guide tolearn more about choosing the best SAT test location for you. #2: Register Early- Well Before the Deadline Registering early for the SAT is critical. Put a note on your calendar to register at least six weeks before your test date. If you don’t register in time, you'll need to pay fees(or worse, you won’t be able to take your exam at all!). SAT registration deadlines are typically a month before the test date.If you accidentally miss the regular registration deadline for your desired test date, you can still register up until that test's late registration deadline, which is usually about 10 days before the test(note that you'll have to pay a late registration fee of $29 in addition to the regular test fee). If you miss the late registration deadline as well but still really want (or need) to take the SAT, you can sign up for the waitlist.You'll have to pay an additional $49if you are admitted on test day. Although there's no guarantee you'll be able to take the SAT, getting on the waitlist might be worth it if you have no other chances to take it before your college applications are due. #3: Apply for a Fee Waiver (If You Qualify for One) The SAT is a pricey test, costing either $46 (without Essay) or $60 (with Essay). If you can't afford to pay this fee, you might be eligible for a fee waiver. A fee waiver will make the entire SAT free for you to take. To be eligible, you must be a low-income 11th or 12th grader in the US (or US territories). Each fee waiver covers the following: Two free SATs (with or without Essay) Two free Question-and-Answer Service or Student Answer Service reports Unlimited SAT score reports to send to schools To get a fee waiver, consult your school counselor. If you're a home-schooled student, get in touch with a nearby high school's counselor. Note that you'll be required toprovide proof of eligibility, such as tax documents. Read our guide formore details about how to save money when you register for the SAT. What's Next? Now that you know how to sign up for the SAT, you might want to knowwhen the best time to take the SAT is. What test date will work best for you? What SAT score should you be aiming for? What's a good SAT score? Find out how to set a target SAT score with our detailed guide. Want to learn more about the SAT but tired of reading blog articles? Then you'll love our free, SAT prep livestreams. Designed and led by PrepScholar SAT experts, these live video events are a great resource for students and parents looking to learn more about the SAT and SAT prep. Click on the button below to register for one of our livestreams today!

Interaction and Memory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Interaction and Memory - Essay Example An excellent case is the New Cooper Union Building at 41 Cooper Square. Designed and completed back in 2009 by Thom Mayne, it promises to be one of the more popular landmarks of New York with its striking design and well-thought concept. Seen from afar, say from the Cooper Triangle Park, the New Cooper Union Academic Building poses a stark contrast to the old buildings and some forgettable edifices within the vicinity. One will be immediately arrested with its modern design, characterized by sleek and shiny glass materials that declare "contemporary" and the "future" in bold letters while depicting a seemingly humungous art element straight out of a Picasso canvas. The overall impression is a forward-looking, solid and imposing structure that is also a point of convergence and a mecca for creative thinking – all at the same time. Indeed, Mayne emphasized that "the building is conceived as a vehicle to foster collaboration and cross-disciplinary dialogue among the collegeâ€⠄¢s three schools, previously housed in separate buildings." (p. 96) In this respect, it appears that the building designer achieved his objective triumphantly, at least in the battle for perceptions. As an academic structure it successfully integrated the crucial functional elements with the aesthetic and most things in between in order to establish a conducive environment for learning with the limited resources (i.e. space) it has in its disposal. A fundamental characteristic of the building is the breaking of the hierarchy of circulation into a burst of open spaces that serve different purposes. There is the vertical circulation concept in addition to the spaces for different functions designed so that people can move through and interact with lectures and perform other social/learning activity that could change into a different experience once one transfers into another space or meet another or hold a different conversation. The key concept in the design is space. This is the el ement that holds all the other design considerations together such as the desire to enhance learning, the attempt at achieving freedom, collaboration and interaction. From the outside the view is welcoming because it communicates a degree of openness that comes with the visual transparencies and the accessibility of the building to visitors or those outside. A passerby, for instance, will have no difficulty or reservations entering since the entrance and the entire ground floor is seemingly connected to the external environs such as the street and the community it is in. â€Å"The facade registers the iconic, curving profile of the central atrium as a glazed figure that appears to the carved out of the 3rd Avenue facade, connecting the creative and social heart of the building to the street. â€Å"[Architecture and Urbanism 2010 page 96] Then the glass materials allow the exposure of the activities inside to those from without especially in the ground level Once inside, there is t hen the vertical 20-foot grand staircase that connects all the four stories, functioning as the central atrium at the same time. Those students streaming out of their classrooms, their lectures, the library, and from wherever else within, converge at this atrium/staircase. This is fundamental why

Retail Sales Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Retail Sales - Essay Example For the tobacco industry, Producer Price Index identifies the total cost incurred in the production of materials or certainly and most commonly called the "output prices". Is considered as an individual's own total earning from salaries, wages, commissions and investments. It is equal to the total and actual value of income received by, or on behalf of, all the residents of a particular area. Gross Domestic Product In a given year, total consumer investments of all goods and services in the entire country are reported and government spending, value of exports minus the value of imports. It measures the output of goods and services produced by labor and property. It is released at 8:30 am EST on the last day of each quarter. Each report is viewed before the final figure is settled upon the "advance report". Inflation rate refers falling back of the dollar when the buying power has gone down. Inflation is mostly affected by the consumer prices of goods which have towered over the actual buying power of people creating an imbalance. For ex: When consumer price index are high owed to diminished supply naturally prices for the specific item shoots up, yet the buying power of the dollar remains the same. When a person desires to work at a prevailing rate acceptable to him yet he still couldn't

State Board of Education With Regards to Equity and Equality of Public Assignment

State Board of Education With Regards to Equity and Equality of Public Education - Assignment Example Statistics reveal that students from poor backgrounds, particularly the African American, face stiff challenges in education. They often undergo expulsion and suspension from the learning institutions besides encountering challenges in accessing highly qualified teachers. The public education in the United States undoubtedly offers everyone an opportunity to learn. In other words, there is no valid debate as to whether there is a fair playing ground for students. However, the same cannot be said of the equity, which is critical in determining the effectiveness of equality. Equality provides everyone with equal opportunities ensuring that no one is favored in the process. However, without first addressing the issue of equity, equality might not be effective for a number of reasons. First, offering equal opportunities is commendable but when some people cannot access these opportunities because of separate predicaments, equality in the end is not achieved. This is the scenario in the public education. While all races can access the education, other factors such as income and historic injustices become a hurdle in seizing the opportunities (Lee, 2015). For that reason, it is imperative to scrutinize the proper steps to take and subsequently implement th em accordingly. Teaching strategies ought to be rectified, as there is ample evidence that they are not as effective as is expected, and this has adverse effects. It was noted that some students dropped out of school even before high school graduation. Worse still, those who completed and received high school diplomas did not certify the expected competence (Levin, Belfield, Muennig & Rouse, 2007). While the public education sector could be suffering from other issues, the strategies implemented do little to remedy the situation. Thus, it is vitally important to have a change on these in order to ensure that the much-hyped equality is

Over Expansion Of Money Supply Economics Essay

Over Expansion Of Money Supply Economics Essay Inflation is commonly understood as a situation of considerable and quick general increase in the prices of the currency over a period of time. The general prices are measured through price indices. The trend of prices reveals the course of inflation or deflation. Inflation is statistically measured in terms of percentage increase in the price index- usually a year or a month. Economist Harry Johnson defines as a substained rise in price. Inflation rises because of rise in the price of the imported commodities like oil, gold, etcà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Effects of Inflation: Middle class family will be in trouble if a price of things rises faster than their income. Inflation reduces the value of an investment if returns are inadequate to compensate. Attack of Inflation often goes hand in hand with inflamed economy. Sustained inflation also has long-term effectsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. If money is losing its value than businessmen and investors will not invest money for long time. This effects on nations productive capacity. It can cause a rapid economic slow-down. Types of inflation: There are main 5 catagories which devides inflation in several parts. According to rate of inflation According to nature of time-period of occurance According to the scope or coverages According to governments reaction According to the causes According to the rate of inflation: Moderate inflation-(a) creeping inflation (b) walking inflation Running inflation Galloping inflation Hyper inflation Moderate inflation: When prices rise by less than 10% (single digit inflation rate) per annum, running inflation occurs. According to Prof. Samuelson, it is a stable inflation and not serious economic problem. it doesnt interrupt the economic balance. Peoples expectations remain more or less stable in moderate Inflation. Interest rate is never too low or -ve in this situation so money plays its role as a future investment tool. Creeping Inflation: When price rises not more than 3% it is called creeping inflation. It is the mildest form of inflation and also known as a mild inflation or low inflation. Walking Inflation: When the rate of rising prices is more than the creeping inflation is known as walking Inflation. When prices rise more than 3% but less than 10% per annum than its walking inflation. Running Inflation: When the movement of prices speed up rapidly, running inflation emerge. Running inflation may record more than 100% rice in a decade. Thus, when prices rise more than 10% a year, it is called Running Inflation. Double-digit inflation of 10-20% per annum is called running inflation. Galloping Inflation: If prices rise by double or triple digit inflation rates it is called galloping inflation. When prices rise more than 20% and less than 1000%, galloping inflation occurs. It is also referred as JUMPING Inflation. India is facing this inflation since second 5 year plan period. It is very serious problem. It causes economic distortions and disturbances. Hyper Inflation: In this case, prices rise every moment and there is no limit to the height to which prices might rise. Therefore, it is difficult to measure its scale as prices rise by fits and starts. In statistic terms when prices rise more than 1000% it is caalled Hyper Inflation. There is atleast a 50% price rise in a month so that in year it rises about 130 times. It represet the pitiable fall in peoples purchasing power. It is generated by immese monetary disorder. It is monetary disease. The velocity circular of money increases very fast. Causes of Inflation: Increase in money supply: Inflation is caused by an increase in the supply of money which leads to increase in demand.higher the growth of nominal money supply, higher the inflation. Increase in disposable income: When disposable demand increases demand will increase which will emerge inflation. Over expansion of money supply: Remarkable degree of correlation between the increase in money supply and the rise in the price level mayb be observed. Increase in Exports: When the demand for domestically produced goods increase in foreign country raises the earnings of the industries producing export commodities. Cost-push Inflation: Here the supply of goods and services are stopped for some or other reason while the demand remains unchanged. This push is cost. Generated by the factors like wages, profit and material cost in turn this increases the cost of production and ultimately the price of product and services. Demand-pull Inflation: Here peoples demand is continuosly rising and the supply is unchanged or same. Here people are ready to pay for the demanded goods to satisfy their need. Calculation of inflation: Inflation can be calculated by many methida but main 3 methods areà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. CPI- Consumer Price Index WPI- Wholesale Price Index PPI- Product Price Index CPI- Consumer Price Index measures changes in the price level of  consumer goods  and  services  purchased by households. It can be used to index the real value of wages, salaries, pensions, for regulagting prices and for deflacting monetory magnitudes to show changes in real value. CPI=updated cost/base period cost*100 WPI- Wholesale Price Index WPI is the price of a representative basket of wholesale goods. The indian WPI figure is released every 10 days and influances stock and fixed priced markets. WPI focuses on the price of goods traded between corporations rather than goods bought by consumers which is measured by CPI. The purpose of the WPI is to monitor price movements that reflect supply and demand in industry, manufacturing and construction. In India WPI is the indicator for inflation rate. PPI- Product Price Index This index measures the pressure on producers due to change in cost of raw -materials. Inflation Rate = (Po-P-1)*100/P-1 Here, Po= the present average price of goods and services. P-1=the price of the products and services existed last year. Trend of inflation since 1991 to 2012 Year Annual Rate 1990-1991 13.81 1991-1992 11.88 1992-1993 6.31 1993-1994 10.24 1994-1995 10.22 1995-1996 8.98 1996-1997 7.25 1997-1998 13.17 1998-1999 4.84 1999-2000 4.02 2000-2001 2.72 2001-2002 3.8 2002-2003 3.4 2003-2004 5.4 2004-2005 6.4 2005-2006 4.4 2006-2007 5.3 2007-2008 4.7 2008-2009 12.44 2009-2010 10.2 2010-2011 9.4 2011-2012 1.4(till July) Reasons of the Inlation in 1990s: Increase in international oil price. Natural disasters like drought or flood showed an ebbing trend. The main problem of inflation came to head in August 1990. When iraq invaded Kuwait the prices of oil doubled in international market. Trade deficit in 1991 rose to 15600 cores. India borrowed from IMF. C:UsersmaitriDownloadsindia-inflation-rate.png (source: www.google.com) Reasons for Inflation in early 20th century: Increase in oil prices twice during the period. Adverse effects of deficiency of agricultural products led to increase in price ofà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Oilseeds and Edible oil. In 2008, Inflation was because of rise in fuel prices, and rise in prices of primary articles. Global food prices also registered a marked rise during this period. Trend of Inflation rates since 1991-2012: In 1990-91, the inflation rate rose by 12.1% and got constant at double digits in consecutive year it means India faced Running Inflation. Similarly Running Inflation India faced until Inflation rate fall to 5% in 1995-96. In 1998-99, there was again rise in prices and inflation was there. In 2002, Inflation was @ its low rating 1.6% but the upward trend become smooth and again the inflation became a cause for concern in the year 2004 when the point to point rise in inflation was 7.7%. In 2006, the Inflation was so high till the starting months of 2007. In 2008, infltion was there because of rose in price of oil and primary articles. Food inflation was there in 2008 as India is the primary importer of the food among the world. In 2009, food grain prices continued to be culprit behind the raising inflation year 2009. There was a great fall from 2008 to 2009 and it was -0.34% if there is negative inflation rate that means purchasing power of people increase but there is lack of supply. In 2010, there was rose in average rate by 1.64% and in 2011 there was rose of 3.16%. Correlation between gold price, crude oil price and dollar: Relation between gold and dollar: Gold and dollar both are global currancies. Many national banks hold dollars as a reserve currency. They both are considered stable and strong. If people are worried for the dollar which will may fall iin future than they should invest in gold. The relationship between both of them is inverse. Buying gold and selling dollar will have the effect of moving both prices inversly. As the dollars exchange value falls, it takes more dollar to buy gold so dollar gold price rises. When dollars exchange value rises due to any reason it takes fewer dollar to buy a gold. Gold and dollar relationship is strategic but not tactical. Dollar weknesses always turn into gold strength (in long term) but (in short term) gold and dollar both may can fall or rise together. When inflation rises people buy gold which make golds price up. Weakness of dollar make gold strong in long term scenerio and in short-term scenerio there maybe a condition that dollar and gold will rise and fall together. Whenever inflation comes people buy more and more gold which automatically rise the price of gold. Realtionship between Crude oil prices and dollar: (Chart from 1977 to 2003) Year Yearly Average 1991 $20.19 1992 $19.25 1993 $16.74 1994 $15.66 1995 $16.75 1996 $20.46 1997 $18.97 1998 $11.91 1999 $16.55 2000 $27.40 2001 $23.00 2002 $22.81 2003 $27.69 2004 $37.41 2005 $50.04 2006 $58.30 2007 $64.20 2008 $91.48 2009 $53.56 2010 $71.21 2011 $87.48 2012 $83.7 (estimated) Recent trend of crude oil and dollar: (8/18/2012) DX_CL_Correlation.jpg Increasing oil price results in increase of inflation. It impacts economy negatively. Higer oil prices are reflected in virtually every finished product as well as food and commodities in general. Crude oil is mainly traded in US dollar and when US dollar prices weakens the crude oil participants push the price of crude higher on the expectations. Effects on demand: Oil purchases are paid in dollars. However demand is dependednt on the domestic price of country which always fluctuate with chnages in dollar. So dollar depreciation reduces the oil price in domestic currancy. This leads to an increase in their real income and an increase in their oil demand. Therefore, the dollar depreciation a priori has a positive impact on oil demand and should contribute to raise the price. Effects on supply: Dollar changes affect the price as supposed by the producers less than the one apparent by demanders. Dollar depreciation can activate inflation and income in oil producer countries, the currencies which are linked to US dolalr. The increase in inflation and the decrease in purchasing power reduce the real disposable income and therefore the income available for drilling, everything else equals. Overall, a dollar depreciation may result in a reduction in oil supply. Overall, depreciation of dollar causes an increase in oil demand and a reduction in supply, mainly on the long run, which tends to boost oil price. Realtionship between Gold, Crude oil and dollar in inflation: An increase in oil price resukts in inflation which affects the countries those importing oil.it affects the prices in general economy. According to a study, the global resource of oil is depleting at an annual rate of 6 per cent while demand is growing at an annual rate of 2 per cent. Era of cheap oil is over now but now we have to see impact of oil prices on dollar and gold. Up to 1971 central banks were giving facility of converting dollar into gold. When this facility was removed, oil producing countries converted dollar into gold. There is positive relation between gold and oil since last 5 years. With recent increase in oil, relationship between gold n oil is not moving in cycle. if the price of oil increase due to supply and demand mismatch and dollar declines than gold/silver price will increase.

Comparing the Messages of Animal Dreams and The Bean Trees Essay

Political and Social Messages of Animal Dreams and The Bean Trees       Perhaps The Poisonwood Bible is Barbara Kingsolver's best work. It was while reading this book (which centers around The Congo and what the western world has done to this country) that I began to make the connection that all of Kingsolver's books contain a political and social message. She uses her stance as an author to illuminate her readers to situations and issues that she feels are important. Kingsolver's voice can be heard in Animal Dreams when the main character, Codi talks about what happened to her sister, Hallie in Nicaragua, and how unaware Americans were to what was happening in that country. "It made the news in Tucson, at least for a day. You just forgot. That's the great American disease, we forget. We watch the disasters parade by on TV, and every time we say: 'Forget it. This is someone else's problem" (Animal Dreams 316).    The Bean Trees touches on the plight of refugees, both in the real life struggle of a Guatemalan couple living illegally in the US, as well as her main character that in a way is a refugee herself, although only from Kentucky. In Animal Dreams, Kingsolver looks at the people living in Nicaragua and how the US government was/is involved. While the characters and personal stories are fictionalized, the situation seems taken from real life headlines. Kingsolver also touches on environmental issues in Animal Dreams, through the people of the fictional town of Grace, Arizona's struggle against an all consuming mines attempt to poison their water and crops.    For this paper I decided to focus on Barbara Kingsolver's first two novels, The Bean Trees and Animal Dreams. The first topic that ... ...html>.   Duval, Alex. "Shafted: How Phelps Dodge Strips Miners Of Their Rights." Tucson Weekly 19 March 1998. 25 March 1998 <http://www.weeklywire.com/tw/03-19-98/Curr3.html>.   Kingsolver, Barbara. Animal Dreams. New York: HarperCollins, 1990.   ___. The Bean Trees. New York: HarperCollins, 1988.   ___. High Tide in Tucson: Essays From Now or Never.New York: HarperCollins, 1995.   Perry, Donna. Backtalk: Women Writers Speak Out. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1993.   Schutz, Jorian Polis. "The Impact of the Sandinistas on Nicaragua." Jorian Polis Shutz, 1998. <http://www.jorian.com/san.html>.   Smiley, Jane. "In One Small Town, the Weight of the World." New York Times on the Web. 2 September 1990. 18 October 1998. <http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/10/18/specials/kingsolver-animal.html>.    Comparing the Messages of Animal Dreams and The Bean Trees Essay Political and Social Messages of Animal Dreams and The Bean Trees       Perhaps The Poisonwood Bible is Barbara Kingsolver's best work. It was while reading this book (which centers around The Congo and what the western world has done to this country) that I began to make the connection that all of Kingsolver's books contain a political and social message. She uses her stance as an author to illuminate her readers to situations and issues that she feels are important. Kingsolver's voice can be heard in Animal Dreams when the main character, Codi talks about what happened to her sister, Hallie in Nicaragua, and how unaware Americans were to what was happening in that country. "It made the news in Tucson, at least for a day. You just forgot. That's the great American disease, we forget. We watch the disasters parade by on TV, and every time we say: 'Forget it. This is someone else's problem" (Animal Dreams 316).    The Bean Trees touches on the plight of refugees, both in the real life struggle of a Guatemalan couple living illegally in the US, as well as her main character that in a way is a refugee herself, although only from Kentucky. In Animal Dreams, Kingsolver looks at the people living in Nicaragua and how the US government was/is involved. While the characters and personal stories are fictionalized, the situation seems taken from real life headlines. Kingsolver also touches on environmental issues in Animal Dreams, through the people of the fictional town of Grace, Arizona's struggle against an all consuming mines attempt to poison their water and crops.    For this paper I decided to focus on Barbara Kingsolver's first two novels, The Bean Trees and Animal Dreams. The first topic that ... ...html>.   Duval, Alex. "Shafted: How Phelps Dodge Strips Miners Of Their Rights." Tucson Weekly 19 March 1998. 25 March 1998 <http://www.weeklywire.com/tw/03-19-98/Curr3.html>.   Kingsolver, Barbara. Animal Dreams. New York: HarperCollins, 1990.   ___. The Bean Trees. New York: HarperCollins, 1988.   ___. High Tide in Tucson: Essays From Now or Never.New York: HarperCollins, 1995.   Perry, Donna. Backtalk: Women Writers Speak Out. New Brunswick: Rutgers University Press, 1993.   Schutz, Jorian Polis. "The Impact of the Sandinistas on Nicaragua." Jorian Polis Shutz, 1998. <http://www.jorian.com/san.html>.   Smiley, Jane. "In One Small Town, the Weight of the World." New York Times on the Web. 2 September 1990. 18 October 1998. <http://www.nytimes.com/books/98/10/18/specials/kingsolver-animal.html>.   

Kant and Sexual Morality Essay

German Philosopher Immanuel Kant claimed that it is morally wrong to use a person merely as a means to your end. This judgement helps us to understand and determined sexual morality. Thomas A. Mappes supports Kant’s claims and helps to further explain Kant’s statement by defining it and introducing the idea that one must give their voluntary informed consent in order for certain actions to be moral. Mappes also illustrates that voluntary informed consent can be undermined through both deception and coercion. This helps us in the understanding of sexual morality. It is important to understand what Kant means when claiming that it is morally wrong to use another person merely as a means to your end when making the decision whether or not this statement is relevant when talking about sexual morality. The word merely is where this statement claims immorality to be. Merely meaning only and without any consideration of another person by not showing them any human respect. We use people as a means to our end in everyday situations. If we are hungry we go to a shop and buy food. We are using the shopkeepers as a means to our end, when hunger is our end. However, we are not merely using the shopkeeper as a means to our end. Thomas Mappes explains this by saying if we are treating someone merely as a means to our end, then we are not respecting him or her as human beings. Voluntary informed consent, according to Mappes (p. 73 of course book) is central to the notion of treating people merely as a means to an end. Voluntary informed consent is where the person who is being used as a means to an end has given their full permission and consent. They are aware of what the person is trying to achieve and are willing to give their consent to this. Mappes uses the example of a person who has a gun put to their head and are forced to hand over $200. Although the person has given them the money, they did not do this voluntarily, therefore did not give their voluntary informed consent. However, if the person had asked for $200 and they were given the option to give the money without being forced, and choose to hand it over as a gift, then they have given their voluntary informed consent. Voluntary informed consent is important when looking at sexual morality, as if one has not given their voluntary informed consent to a partner, then it is morally wrong to pursue any sexual acts with them. According to Mappes, Voluntary informed consent can be undermined in two ways: deception and coercion. Coercion meaning forced to make voluntary informed consent and deception being tricked into voluntary informed consent. When making a judgement on the morality of sexual behaviour it is important to consider whether deception or coercion have influenced the voluntary informed consent of the subject. If there is no voluntary informed consent, then a person is being used merely as a means to another persons end. This support Kant’s claim on morality, and is therefore immoral. Coercion into consent is easily to identify. As with the example of a person being forced to hand over $200 with the threat of a gun, they were being forced/coerced into their decision to hand over the money. When there is no voluntary informed consent, as the consent is not voluntary. Coercion can be important when determining the morality in sexual behaviour. If one is forced or blackmailed into having sex with another, this is coercive and using someone merely as a means to an end. Identifying Deception when looking at the morality of sexual behaviour, and determining whether or not it supports Kant’s claim is important before making a moral judgment. Deception is being tricked into making informed consent. And example of deception is subject A. telling subject B. that they love them, as subject A. knows that subject B. will only enter into a sexual relationship if both parties have a mutual love for one another. This is deceiving subject B. into giving their voluntary informed consent into entering a sexual relationship. This is immoral, as voluntary informed consent has been undermined by deception. When looking at Kant’s claim it is easy to determined the morality in this situation as subject as has merely used subject B in order to fulfil their sexual wants. It is also important to consider whether the decision was informed. 3. As seen in page. 76 of the course book, some could argue that a child or someone with severe learning difficulties is still able to give voluntary consent. This is true, but a child or person with severe learning difficulties is unable to give informed consent. If someone is to endeavour in sexual behaviours with a child or a person with learning difficulties, then it is clear they are using them for their own sexual gratification, and not respecting the person whom they are using. As Kant claims, this is morally unacceptable. When thinking about the morality of sexual behaviour it is hard to ignore that of homosexual relationships and/or homosexual sex. When looking at Kant’s statement that it is immoral to use another person merely as a means to your ends and Mappes further explanation of voluntary informed consent, we can establish he morality of homosexual behaviour. Michael Levin (1999 p. 125-126) claims homosexuality to be immoral. He also makes that statement that they are victims and have unflattering beliefs. Levin (1999 p. 126) claims â€Å"homosexuality is deviant†¦ [and] homosexuals have no place in the military if they weaken morale, and there are good reasons to think they do [weaken morale]† When looking at Kant’s philosophy, and his definition of morality, it becomes clear that Levins claims are assumptions, especially that homosexuals would weaken the morale in the military. There is nothing in his claims to suggest that homosexuals would coerce, deceive and use another merely as a means to their sexual ends within the military. Therefore, when looking at Kant’s claims, regardless whether a person is homosexual or heterosexual, the morality of sexual behaviour can only established when one is using another without human respect and merely as a means to their ends. John Corvino also refers to the morality of homosexual relationships. His views vary considerably from Levins. Corvino (1997 p,6) addresses the idea that homosexual sex is unnatural and therefore immoral. Corvino defends the right to a homosexual relationship by comparing the use of sexual organs to others. We have numerous uses for our mouth such as talking, eating, breathing, chewing gum etc and Corvino states that sexual organs may be useful in a relationship other than just procreation. Corvino makes reference to the churches view on sexual behaviour. Although the church disapproves of homosexual behaviour, Corvino (1997 p. 6) highlights that they do not see anything wrong with sterile couples having sex or couples who are pregnant as the church concedes that intimacy and pleasure are morally legitimate purposes for having sex. Corvino suggests that although there is no chance of procreation in homosexual sex, there is nothing immoral about it. Corvino’s view supports Kant’s claim of morality. Unless there is something to suggest one is merely being used by another sexually, then there are no grounds to suggest homosexuality is immoral. Kant’s claim that it is morally wrong to use someone merely as a means to your ends, helps us in our judgements regarding sexual morality. Through Thomas A. Mappes explanation of Kant’s claim and introducing the idea of voluntary informed consent, and how it can be undermined through deception and coercion, we are able to clearly distinguish whether or not a persons sexual behaviours are moral or not. Kant’s claim suggest that there is nothing immoral about homosexual behaviour, unless one is merely being used as an end, as in heterosexual relationships. The idea of homosexuality being unnatural had nothing to do with its morality when looking at Kant’s claim.

Retirement Benefits of US Supreme Court Justices

Retirement Benefits of US Supreme Court Justices Retiring U.S. Supreme Court justices are entitled to a lifetime pension equal to their highest full salary. In order to qualify for a full pension, retiring justices must have served for a minimum of 10 years provided the sum of the justices age and years of Supreme Court service totals 80. As of 2018, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court earned an annual salary of $255,300, while the Chief Justice was paid $267,000. Supreme Court associate justices who decide to retire at age 70, after 10 years on the job, or at age 65 with 15 years of service is eligible to receive their full highest salary – usually their salary at retirement for the rest of their lives. In return for this lifetime pension, judges who retire in relatively good health with no disabilities are required to remain active in the legal community, performing a minimum specified amount of judicial obligations every year. Why a Lifetime Full Salary? The United States Congress established the retirement for Supreme Court justices at full salary in the Judiciary Act of 1869, the same law that settled the number of justices at nine. Congress felt that since Supreme Court justices, like all federal judges, are well paid and appointed for life; a lifetime pension at full salary would encourage judges to retire rather than attempting to serve during extended periods of poor health and potential senility. Indeed, fear of death and decreased mental capacity are often cited as motivating factors in judges decisions to retire. President Franklin Roosevelt summed Congress reasoning up in his Fireside Chat of March 9, 1937, when he stated, We think it so much in the public interest to maintain a vigorous judiciary that we encourage the retirement of elderly judges by offering them a life pension at full salary. Other Benefits A good salary with an exceptionally good retirement plan is far from the only benefit to being appointed the Supreme Court. Among the others are: Health Care Federal judges are covered by the Federal Employee Health Benefits system. Federal judges are also free to acquire private health and long-term care insurance. Job Security All Supreme Court justices are appointed by the President of the United States, with the approval of the U.S. Senate, for a lifetime term. As specified on Article III, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, Supreme Court Justices â€Å"shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour,† meaning they can only be removed from the Court if they are impeached by the House of Representatives and removed if convicted in a trial held in the Senate. To date, only one Supreme Court justice has been impeached by the House. Justice Samuel Chase was impeached by the House in 1805 based on charges of allowing political partisanship to influence his decisions. Chase was subsequently acquitted by the Senate. Due to the security of their lifetime terms, Supreme Court justices, unlike any of the other presidentially-appointed, high-level federal bureaucrats, a free to make decisions without fear that doing so will cost them their jobs. Vacation Time and Workload Help How does three months per year off with full salary sound to you? The Supreme Court’s annual term includes a three-month recess, typically from July 1 through September 30. Justices receive the annual recess as vacation, with no judicial obligations and may use the free time as they see fit. When the Supreme Court is in session actively accepting, hearing, and deciding cases, the Justices receive extensive assistance from law clerks that read and prepare detailed summaries for the justices of the massive volume of material sent to the Court by other judges, lower courts, and lawyers. The clerks – whose jobs are highly prized and sought-after, also help the justices write their opinions on cases. Besides the highly technical writing, this job alone requires days of detailed legal research. Prestige, Power, and Fame For American judges and lawyers, there can be no more prestigious role in the legal profession than serving on the Supreme Court. Through their written decisions and statements on landmark cases, they become known worldwide, often with their names becoming household words. In possessing the power to overturn the actions of Congress and the President of the United States through their decisions, Supreme Court justices directly impact American history, as well as the day-to-day lives of the people. For example, landmark Supreme Court decisions like Brown v. Board of Education, which ended racial segregation in public schools or Roe v. Wade, which recognized that the constitutional right to privacy extends to a woman’s right to have an abortion, will continue to affect American society for decades.

buy custom The Obama Health Care Bill essay

buy custom The Obama Health Care Bill essay Introduction The presidents proposal on the Health Care Bill is meant to make insurance more affordable to the Americans by reducing the tax on the middle class while improving on the health insurance market and fostering a greater accountability. It is also preordained to provide means to the end of discrimination and limit the strain on the budget. It provides more stability and security to those who already have the health insurance, a quality and affordable solution to those who do not have a health care insurance yet. For the Americans in general, it intends to offer a less costly health care to the families, businessmen, and government. The law is set to affect various groups, namely the American families, children, young adults, early retirees, women, rural Americans, small businesses, Asian Americans, Latinos, African Americans, Veterans, and Americans with disabilities among the other groups. Its impacts on the groups For the physicians, the work will become more difficult as they will be imperiled to more state principles and oversight. The bill provides for more bureaucracy as in under the sections 3002, 3403 and 6301 which complicates the existing payment rules for the doctors. The new law provides no Sustainable Growth Rate Formula (SGR) fix. Besides, Congress has revealed no preference to find a solution for the ruined SGR formula minus contributing to the federal deficiency instead of approving fiscal castigation and insisting on a frank restructuring of the Medicare program (Tony M.d., 2011). The purpose of th bill should be the improvement of the doctor-patient relationship rather than the third party as proposed. It does not provide a solution for the doctors most pressing concerns such as offence reform. To the families, the bill undermines the role of parents. It states that the beneficiary clinics must respect parental consent and notification laws that are not inconsistent with Federal law. This gives the teens more voice to engage into activities that may affect them negatively without the consent of their parents. The new PRE program offers $75 million annually for the endowments to aid states moderate pregnancies and resulting births among teenagers (Aaron Cato Institute, 2009). It, however, does not give the incentive to the states to attain this objective without increasing the number of abortion rates. The law gives a penalty to marriage by providing for a lower tax on divorced than on married couples. The senior is another group that is affected by the bill. The bill restricts them from access to the physicians by the third party that negotiates almost everything without their consent. Moreover, they are more likely to pay high taxes and have limited choices of the insurance premiums of their choice (Pipes, 2010). For the small businesses, the bill adds a load of work onto their budget by subjecting them to insure their employees. This is an advantage to the employees at the first glance but, considering that their pay will be subjected to cater for the insurance, they may have to pay for expensive health care insurance though their employers are without a voice. Thhe choice of their insurance will be left to the employers to decide and can be worse than they could have had it were it of their own control. For the Rural Americans, the law provides a financial relief for both the families and their seniors. It ensures that they have a variety of choices and secure insurance cover. It as well works on providing more doctors to the people at affordable premiums. It embarks on preventive care by ensuring the elimination of the co-payment programs that were inconvenient to the people. It aims at eliminating the insurance company discrimination while providing competitive services. For the Americans with disabilities, the bill provides a long-term insurance support eliminating the insurance company discrimination while expanding the Medicare program. The bill exempts churches and religious institutions from the health care coverage. It tends to assume that the church members belong to a particular group and are well catered for. This might not be the case and thus there is a need to properly define the standings. Conclusion As much as the Obama Health care bill proves to be giving new solutions to the different existing groups of citizens, it still has a lot to be amended. It should be reviewed for a better response to the needs of the citizens. Additionally, it should answer the questions that could arise in both the present and the future times. Finally, a clear definition of each group should be provided so that everyone is at a position of benefiting fully. Buy custom The Obama Health Care Bill essay

Sources in Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sources in Accounting - Essay Example Scholarly journals prove to be the best publication genre for researching accounting-related problems since it relays concrete information that stays within the focus of the subject matter. Accounting is one of the oldest disciplines concerned with collecting, analyzing and communicating economic information. Information analyzed is usable in making decisions and plans of an enterprise by concerned professionals and users. Committee on Terminology of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants described the discipline as â€Å"Accounting is the art of recording, classifying, and summarizing in a significant manner and in terms of money, transactions and events which are, in past at least, of a financial character and interpreting the results thereof† (Fountain, Douglas & Michael, 101). It is, therefore, a language used for communicating fundamental information to people. It is a profession and intellectual discipline. In addition, accounting is a socially constructe d discipline that is practiced for people by people, and influences relationships and workings within communities. A comprehensive knowledge of accounting may not be possible without a revisit to the history of the discipline. Originally, accounting was based on simple activities of recording and measurement. The 15th century saw the emergence of double-entry book keeping. Modern Ango-American accounting developed from these initial basic processes and reformed into the present accounting principles in the 20th century. It is, therefore, a discipline that has existed for as long as trade has existed. As such, there are several publications and other forms of sources recorded about accounting. Not all these sources have authenticity and reliability to be used in referencing crucial accounting researches. Scholars should exercise care in deciding which scholarly journals, professional and organizational publications and books they base their accounting-related arguments (Fountain, Dou glas & Michael, 91). Professional Associations National Accounting and Finance Council is one of the oldest accounting professional associations in America. The association has been in existence for 59 years and has an annual budget of $650,000. Since 1954 (the year the association was founded) it has managed to have a manageable membership of 1,100. National Accounting and Finance Council (NAFC) derives its membership from among chief financial and Executive Officers of trucking companies, security analysts, and software companies affiliated to trucking companies, CPAs, bankers and insurance agents. The core task of NAFC is to work towards advancing the standards of motor carrier industry. It also provides self improvement through interacting with regulatory agencies and amongst themselves, educational activities and community work. The association holds an annual exhibition to showcase steps made in achieving their objectives. NAFC publishes a periodical authoritative publication, NAFC Membership Directory Motor Freight Controller. The quarterly publication gives an interesting twist to how it tackles accounting issues. Due to its in-depth involvement with trucking companies, the association uses its publication to advice its members on the accounting legalities involved in their trade. It covers limited kinds of legal actions put forward against accountants in federal courts. It is a reliable resource that accounting professionals can turn to for legal advice in the absence of lawyers. Readers get tips on the

Finance 3000 2day Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Finance 3000 2day - Essay Example Market average input prices were accordingly used to determine cost and give tangible results when used in SFA. Data Presentation The figure showing changes of profit efficiency of the Chinese banking industry This figure underscores the effect of penetration of foreign banks on Chinese domestic banks. During the initial stage of market penetration, domestic banks drop or stagnant in terms of profit efficiency. This is occasioned by the need to increase investment in technology and efficient systems in order to stay competitive. These measures drive the cost upwards resulting in decreased profit margin. The trend changes to that of growth after the necessary technology and efficient systems are in place. The exponential growth face exceeds the negative impact occasioned and this in general increases profit efficiency and by extension the efficiency of the domestic banks. These results indicate that City commercial banks are the most profit efficient whilst state-owned banks being the least in terms of profit efficiency. This is a deviation from the fact that state-owned banks (SOCBs) tend to be more cost effective. The reason for this is that SOCBs tend to have higher Non-performing loans (NPLs) than City commercial banks (CCBs). ... to measure efficiency of banks from a different perspective and the following figures depict the mean technical efficiency in the Chinese banking sector by bank type: A. B. Model A is an experiment on profitability or income generation while model B examines the efficiency of earning asset production and growth. A quick comparison of these two models shows that within the first five years model B reached an efficiency at a faster pace than model A. This is an indication that banks here were more poised on asset building rather than profitability. In the year 2000 the graphs are flat indicating diminished growth occasioned by the banks being more profit conscious instead of first pursuing asset growth. Further interpretation of the data in model A shows that JSCBs are more efficient and better performers than all the other banks. This could be attributed to the fact that JSCBs are more autonomous and free of direct intervention by the Chinese government. JSCBs are also not faced with numerous challenges of NPLs like SOCBs. CCBs have a poor showing indicating bias or small sample size of these types of banks while researching. Chen et al (2005) findings are proven in model B whereby SOCBs outperform JSCBs in efficiency. This, however, is in direct contravention of known literature depicting the relationship between the government and the banking industry. A possible answer could be that the vast amount of state funds poured into SOCBs for their growth is having an impact and the banks are gaining stability. These two models of income based and asset based are another way to measure the impact that foreign banks have had on the efficiency of the Chinese domestic banking industry. A clearer picture is painted by including other parameters. Discussion For a very long time